Austin, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Jim Davis as its new president and John Zerwas as the chancellor of the UT System. Davis, previously serving as the interim president, was selected for his deep connection to the university and his accomplishments, including securing $100 million in funding for new initiatives. Zerwas, who has a background as an anesthesiologist and state representative, aims to enhance the role of higher education in Texas. Together, they intend to address key issues facing the university and foster strong relationships within the community.
Austin
The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Jim Davis as its 31st president following a unanimous vote by the UT System Board of Regents. Davis, who has been serving as the interim president since February 2025, was officially selected through an alternative appointment process that bypassed a national search.
Along with Davis, John Zerwas was approved as the chancellor of the UT System. Both men were named sole finalists for their respective positions earlier this year, having previously served as interim leaders. Their appointments underscore a significant shift in leadership for the university system.
Details of the Appointment
Davis’s appointment received strong backing from a select committee, affirming his deep personal ties to the university as both a former student and through family connections. His background is relatively uncommon for a university president, as he does not come from a traditional academic trajectory. Before stepping into his current role, Davis was the senior vice president and chief operating officer at UT Austin, and he previously worked for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
During his tenure as interim president, Davis made notable strides, including hiring a new provost and securing $100 million in funding from the UT System for the newly established School of Civic Leadership. He also eliminated a controversial flags program that required students to meet specific core requirements. His focus has been on enhancing communication with faculty and addressing the maintenance of older university buildings.
Background of Jim Davis
Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from UT Austin and a law degree from Harvard Law School. His career began outside of academia, including a role as a cryptologist in the U.S. Navy and later at a private law firm. His appointment marks him as only the second president in UT’s history without a traditional academic background, a distinction he shares with a predecessor from over a century ago.
John Zerwas’s Appointment as Chancellor
John Zerwas, who becomes the UT chancellor, brings an unconventional background as a former anesthesiologist and a seven-term state representative. He has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing the role of higher education in the economic development of Texas, aligning with the university’s strategic goals.
Looking Ahead
As both Davis and Zerwas step into their new roles, they aim to address key issues facing the University of Texas, including campus engagement and infrastructure challenges. Davis has been proactive in reaching out to the university community and intends to continue fostering strong relationships with students, faculty, and alumni as he settles into his presidency.
Summary of Key Leadership Appointments
| Name | Position | Background | Major Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Davis | President of UT Austin | Former Senior VP and COO, Law Background | Secured $100M funding, hired new provost, engaged with community |
| John Zerwas | Chancellor of the UT System | Former Anesthesiologist, State Representative | Championed economic transformation through higher education |
Conclusion
The University of Texas at Austin is poised for significant developments under the leadership of Jim Davis as president and John Zerwas as chancellor. Their appointments signify a new chapter for the university, emphasizing a fresh approach to leadership within the academic landscape.
FAQ
- Who is the new president of UT Austin?
- The new president is Jim Davis, who was appointed following a unanimous vote by the UT System Board of Regents.
- What is Jim Davis’s background?
- Davis was previously the senior vice president and chief operating officer at UT Austin and does not have a traditional academic background.
- What are some of Jim Davis’s accomplishments as interim president?
- During his interim presidency, Davis has hired a new provost, secured $100 million in funding for the School of Civic Leadership, and eliminated the flags program.
- Who is the new chancellor of the UT System?
- The new chancellor is John Zerwas, who previously served as an anesthesiologist and state representative.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Jim Davis
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: Jim Davis UT Austin
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Scholar: Jim Davis UT Austin
- On3.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas
- The Daily Texan
- Google News: UT Austin Leadership Change
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